Merwyn J. Miller

Merwyn J. Miller

5.0
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 51 years

Elder law Lawyer at Encinitas, CA
Practice Areas: Elder Law, Probate, Estate Planning

1084 N. El Camino Real Ste B130, Encinitas, CA

About Merwyn

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Elder Law 35%

Includes Medi-Cal and Veterans Benefits

30 years

35%
Probate 35%

Includes In-Court and Out-of-Court estate settlements/administration

48 years

35%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 51 years

State: California

Acquired: 1974

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Miller Merwyn J Attorney

1084 N. El Camino Real Ste B130, Encinitas, CA, 92024

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Merwyn J. Miller's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (9) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews

Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2022 | Probate

Consulted for Estate guidance

Contacted three highly regarded local attorneys for guidance around settling an estate with out-of-state assets and residency. One office didn't return my call. The second office cancelled our initial consult on learning of out-of-state assets. Merv personally contacted me back for details of the... estate situation. He followed through with a thoughtful and professional (free) consult despite clear evidence I'd instead need to use an out-of-state attorney. He patiently answered numerous questions, put me at ease, and provided counsel that aided me immensely. When it is time to review or revise my own estate planning Merv will be the first person I call.

Posted by Elizabeth | June 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Recently revised and updated previous Trust

Mr Miller was so accommodating assisting me previously, I was confident he would be equally helpful . We discussed the pros and cons in layman’s terms. All my concerns were addressed to my satisfaction. His staff was genuinely helpful in all aspects, as well.This was all done following Corvid guidel...ines and his concern for safety. All Documents were signed digitally, and Notary physically visited my home to finalize. The new Trust documents were delivered FedEx to my home in a professional and organized binder. Can’t thank Mr Miller enough for his kind services and surely recommend for any Estate Planning.

Posted by David | June 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Our family attorney

My father, now deceased for close to a quarter of a century, was meticulous. He spent months looking for an estate lawyer he could trust. He settled on Merwyn a year or so before his passing. He did not have a large estate but he was particular about how he wanted it passed on especially how he wa...nted it set up for my mother who survived him by more than a decade. Merwyn was successful. It was only natural that my wife and I used Merwyn to establish our trust a decade or so ago. And just this year we had our family trust reviewed and updated to ensure our estate would pass to our direct descendants with as little as possible ending up in federal or state coffers. Neither my wife or I will be around to see how we succeeded, but I have faith, based on my experience with my parents estate, that we will meet our goals with Merwyn’s help.

Posted by Peggy | April 18, 2016 | Military Law

VA Benefits

Mr. Miller, pro bono, graciously helped me try to obtain VA benefits for my ailing husband. While our circumstances did not qualify us for the benefits we had hoped for, Mr. Miller was very kind, diligent and thorough in his efforts to help us. I am truly grateful for all he has done on my husband'...s behalf.

Posted by Jacklyn | October 16, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Elder Law

Elder Law, and Estate Planning

I initially sought out an Elder Law attorney regarding a specific area of expertise - Merwyn Miller and his staff were very skilled and professional from start to finish.. I would highly recommend him for protecting your assets, and restructuring your family Trust.

See All Client Reviews

Merwyn J. Miller's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Merwyn
Kenneth Schermer Kleinkopf headshot
Kenneth Kleinkopf

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Merv is a true professional. His exceptional knowledge of estate planning and the VA aid and attendance benefit allows him to clearly explain these concepts to his clients. His number one priority is ascertaining clients' goals. He doesn't tell clients what they need, he listens to them and together they come up with the best plans to accomplish their goals."

Randall F Kaiden headshot
Randall Kaiden

Elder law lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Merv Miller is a well known estate planning elder law attorney who not only tirelessly advocates for his clients, but also generously gives his time to help, mentor, and teach other attorneys. If you need a smart, personable trusts and estates attorney, you should look no further. They don't get any better than Merv."

Kevin Kreg Forrester headshot
Kevin Forrester

Estate planning lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Merv is an excellent lawyer. He is my first and only choice when referring clients with estate planning needs, and we have worked together over the last decade on the administration of more than one decedent’s estate. I continue to rely upon his expertise without hesitation, and recommend that you do so as well."

Michael J Mcguire headshot
Michael Mcguire

Elder law lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have come to rely on Merv's insight and expertise in the varied areas of law that apply to elders and veterans in California. His experience, his attention to detail and success advocating for his clients and their families have all contributed to his reputation as a leading authority in the field of Elder Law."

Kyle E. Krull headshot
Kyle Krull

Elder law lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Other

"I have known Merwyn professionally for more than a decade. Merwyn is an excellent attorney who brings not only an extremely high level of competence to each client engagement, but he also brings a remarkably high level of compassion. Merwyn understands and appreciates that the estate planning process can be complex and overwhelming to clients. In addition, Merwyn knows that probate and elder law engagements oftentimes involve helping clients through difficult emotional issues... above and beyond the legal issues presented. Regardless of the circumstances, clients can be assured that Merwyn will provide the counsel and leadership to help them take care of everyone they love and everything they have. I endorse Merwyn without reservation."

View All Endorsements
Randall F Kaiden headshot
Randall Kaiden

Estate planning lawyer

Amanda Marie Cook headshot
Amanda Cook

Estate planning lawyer

Kevin Kreg Forrester headshot
Kevin Forrester

Real estate lawyer

Michael J Mcguire headshot
Michael Mcguire

Elder law lawyer

Kyle E. Krull headshot
Kyle Krull

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Contributor to CEB Practitioner Trust and Probate, California Continuing Education of the Bar

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation, Department of Veterans Affairs

2005

Accredited Estate Planner, National Assoc. of Estate Planners & Councils

2001

Speakers Bureau Member, Estate Planning, Trust, & Probate Law Section, California State Bar

1993

Certified Specialist--Estate Planning, Trust, & Probate Law, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

N/A

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who Legal

Work Experience

1989 - Present

President, MJ Miller Law Offices

1995 - 1997

Legal Columnist for Largest Regional Newspaper in County, North County Times

1982 - 1995

Legal Columnist for largest regional newspaper in County, Blade Citizen

1978 - 1988

President, MJ Miller Law Offices

1975 - 1977

Shareholder, Morris & Miller

Associations

2017 - Present

Rotary Wine & Food Festival Co-Chair

Co-Chair

2016 - Present

Strategic Trusted Advisors Roundtable--San Diego

Director

2011 - Present

Calif. Western Law School

Alumni Career Advisor-Estate Planning

2011 - Present

Rotary Club of Encinitas, California

Board of Directors

2008 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (Southern Calif. Chapter)

Member

2006 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

1992 - Present

Rotary Cub of Encinitas, California

Member

1992 - Present

North Coastal Estate Planning Council

Co-Founder

1986 - Present

Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Section, Calif. State Bar

Member

1974 - Present

California State Bar

Member

The American College

External Faculty

2016 - 2017

Rotary Club of Encinitas

Rotary Wine Festival Liaison to Board of Directors

2013 - 2016

Rotry Club of Encinitas

Chair Soccer Tournament Committee

2013 - 2014

Rotary Club of Encinitas

Past President

2012 - 2013

Rotary Club of Encinitas

President

2011 - 2012

Rotary Club of Encinitas, California

President Elect

2010 - 2011

Rotary Club of Encinitas, California

President Nominee

2005 - 2010

Society of Fiancial Service Professionals

2003 - 2005

Rotary Club of Encinitas, California

Board of Directors

1999 - 1999

Clinical Internship Program-Cal Western School of Law

Supervising Attorney--Estate Planning

1999 - 2011

Alumni Mentor Program--Cal Western School of Law

Mentor--Estate Planning

1998 - 2000

University of Phoenix

Adjunct Faculty

1992 - 1994

Rotary Club of Encinitas, California

Board of Directors

1988 - 1999

College for Financial Planning

Adjunct Faculty

Education

1992

College for Financial Planning

MS-Masters

1988

Calilfornia Lutheran University

Financial Planner Professional Ed Prog Cert of Completion

1974

California Western School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1970

University of California - Los Angeles

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys--South & North Chapter Joint Summit 2019

Fiduciary Accountings--Nuts & Bolts to Tips & Tricks

2018

North Coastal Estate Planning Council Monthly Meeting

Lliving Trusts & Estate Plans Need to Be Reviewed--and So Do A-B Trusts

2016

North Coastal Estate Planning Council Monthly Meeting

VA/Medi-Cal Planning with Irrevocable Trusts

2016

NAELA Lunch & Learn

Merv's 5 Rules for Running a MIcro Practice

2016

NAELA Chapter Quaterly Meeting

VA Benefits Tips and Tricks

2015

NAELA Spring Conference, So Cal Chapter

The Use of Irrevocable Trusts in Medi-Cal & VA Planning: A Practical Approach

2012

Panel Discussion

Making the Move to Senior Living: How and Why

2011

Thought Leadership Series Law Firm National Webinar

A Paperless Office--The Real World Approach

2010

North Coastal Estate Planning Council Meeting

Veterans Benefits & the Medi-Cal Intersection

2009

SFSP Allied Professionals Education Day

VA Benefits and the QVap Trust

2008

North County Bar Probate & Estate Planning Seciton Mtg

VA Benefits and the QVap Trust

2008

North Coastal Estate Planning Council Meeting

VA Benefits and the QVap Trust

2007

Veterans Benefits Advisors National Meeting

QVap Trust and Veterans Benefits

2007

SFSP--Allied Professionals Day

Inheritance Disasters I Have Seen

2006

Cont Legal Education--How to Draft Wills and Trusts

Ethics and Estate Planning

2006

Cont Legal Education--How to Draft Wills and Trusts

How to Draft Wills & Trusts for Your Clients in California

2005

SFSP--Allied Professionals Day

Smart Strategies to Leave the Wealth to the Kids

2005

North Coastal Estate Planning Council

Going Paperless

2003

Accountancy Professionals Workshop

Broadening Your Services: Basics of the Accounting Report

2001

U.S. Marine Corp Legal Assistance Staff Attorneys Education

Small Estates Procedures & Procedures for Minors

Publications

2022

CEB Practioner Beneficiary's Receipt on Distribution for Court-Settled Trust Accountings

2022

CEB Practiontioner Understanding the Required Tax Filings for Decedent's, Trusts, and Estates

2022

CEB Practitioner Beneficiary's Receipt on Distribution for Out of Court Trust Settlements

2022

CEB Practitioner Correction Deed (Gov. Code 27361.6)

2022

CEB Practitioner How to Correct A Deed Transferring Real Property Into A Trust

2022

CEB Practitioner Correction Affidavit for Real Property Deed (Government Code §27201(c)(1)(c)

2022

CEB Practitioner How to Prepare an Inventory and Appraisal for a Trust

2022

CEB Practitioner How to Provide Notice of Death to Department of Heath Care Services and Franchise Tax Board

2022

CEB Practitioner How to Set Up a Trust Administration File

2014

AFFC Publications Don't Go Broke in a Nursing Home (San Diego Edition)

2013

NAELA News Merv's 5 Rules for Running a Micro Practice

2007

In Your Service: The Veteran's Friend The QVap Trust: Have Your Cake & Eat It, Too

2006

Continuing Legal Education-National Business Institute How to Draft Effective Wills & Trusts for Your Clients in California

1995

1977

Understanding California Real Estate Law Book used at numerous community colleges for Real Estate Licensee Prerequisite Course

Languages

English

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